Mingma G Says Final Goodbye to Annapurna
Veteran Nepali mountaineer Mingma Gyalje Sherpa, popularly known as Mingma G, has announced that he is saying a final farewell to Annapurna one of the deadliest peaks in the world.
Mingma G, who successfully led his team to the summit of Annapurna this season, has decided he will not return to guide expeditions on the mountain again.
His decision comes after yet another terrifying avalanche struck the area between Camp 2 and Camp 3 — a section he had long feared was dangerously unstable.
“This year was the most difficult on Annapurna compared to my previous expeditions [because of] dry conditions, more crevasses, and hanging seracs,” Mingma G shared on social media.
“Today I made my final goodbye to this beautiful mountain. I won’t be leading any expeditions here in the future. This mountain is just too risky. Annapurna’s beauty always attracted me, but I can’t risk my life here anymore.”
A Legendary Career in the Himalayas
Mingma G Sherpa is no ordinary climber. He is one of the most respected names in the world of highaltitude mountaineering.
Hailing from Rolwaling, Nepal, Mingma G has climbed all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks — and remarkably, he did it without using supplemental oxygen. In 2024, he summited Shishapangma in Tibet, completing his oxygen-free 8,000er collection — the first Nepali to do so.
He was also part of the historic team that completed the first-ever winter ascent of K2 in 2021, a feat celebrated worldwide.
In addition to these achievements, Mingma G has summited Everest six times, K2 five times, and climbed other dangerous giants like Dhaulagiri, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, and Manaslu (seven times).
Annapurna: A Beautiful but Deadly Mountain
Despite his experience and success, Annapurna has left a lasting impact on Mingma G — but not in a way climbers dream of.
Known for its breathtaking beauty, Annapurna is also notorious for its danger. Unpredictable avalanches, unstable ice formations, and treacherous weather make it one of the riskiest climbs in the world. The latest avalanche near Camp 3 was the final warning for Mingma G.
“I love this mountain, but I love life more,” he seemed to say with his decision.
Looking Ahead
Although Mingma G is saying goodbye to Annapurna, his legacy in mountaineering continues. Through his company, Imagine Nepal Treks, he will keep inspiring and guiding climbers across the Himalayas — just not on Annapurna.
Annapurna remains — as always — beautiful, majestic, and deadly. And for Mingma G, it will now remain only in his memories.
